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 ALEX AND THE AMAZING LEMONADE STAND by Liz and Jay Scott, with help from Alex Scott
Two days before her first birthday Alexandra "Alex" Scott was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, an aggressive childhood cancer. At the age of four, Alex came up with a plan to help raise money to research the disease and find a cure --- she would sell lemonade from a lemonade stand in her front yard. This picture book, written by Alex and her parents, Liz and Jay, is the inspirational true story of a little girl whose single act of kindness impacted the lives of so many people.
 ALEX'S LEMONADE STAND by Running Press
Running Press has joined the fight for the cure with their own ALEX'S LEMONADE STAND book and kit. The book contains a number of tips on planning and organizing a lemonade sale, with plenty of ways to increase donations and make the most of any stand. The kit includes some extra special goodies --- stickers that read "I donated to Alex's Lemonade Stand," creative advertising posters, a lemon squeezer, flyers that you can photocopy and hand out, and much more!
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February 18, 2005
THE ROCKETREVIEW REVOLUTION: The Ultimate Guide to the NEW SAT (2005 Edition) by Adam Robinson
The new SAT is coming! Yes, on March 12th this highly anticipated test is going to be taken by students for the first time. What's the big buzz about? The new section on writing that everyone is trying to get a handle on. We have the perfect book for those of you who have teens who are prepping for this test --- Adam Robinson's THE ROCKETREVIEW REVOLUTION: The Ultimate Guide to the NEW SAT (2005 Edition). Not only will it give you basic test-taking strategies, detailed exercises and tips for the SAT test areas of reading, math and the just-added area on writing, it's also accompanied by a CD-ROM that gives students access to tools such as RocketScore, which is the only prep software that can quickly score a student's essay and provide feedback for improvement. Can you say 2400?
BECAUSE OF WINN DIXIE
To celebrate the film release of Because of Winn-Dixie, Candlewick Press has published a movie tie-in edition of Kate DiCamillo's bestselling novel as well as the official movie scrapbook. Click here for all the exciting details and for more information about this highly anticipated film. Click Here
December 10, 2004
SHOPAHOLIC: Gift Set by Sophie Kinsella
Attention shoppers (and non-shoppers too)! The first three novels in Sophie Kinsella's bestselling "Shopaholic" series are now available in one beautiful boxed set. In CONFESSIONS OF A SHOPAHOLIC, Kinsella introduces readers to Becky Bloomwood, a recent college graduate who is hounded by debt and seemingly incapable of controlling her urge to purchase. The hilarious adventures of this self-obsessed and shopping obsessed (and sometimes whiny) young woman continue in SHOPAHOLIC TAKES MANHATTAN and SHOPAHOLIC TIES THE KNOT. After reading these three books, you'll be eager to purchase SHOPAHOLIC & SISTER, the latest installment in this laugh-out-loud series. Can we say ---Great holiday gifts?
December 3, 2004
JEWISH HOLIDAY FUN...FOR YOU by Barbara Rushkoff
In JEWISH HOLIDAY FUN…FOR YOU Barbara Rushkoff explains a myriad of Jewish holidays with wit, kitsch, and just a bit of sarcasm. With hilarious text and fun graphics, this book is more funny than informative, although much rings true. For example, the chapter on Hanukkah is subtitled "the one with the menorah and greasy pancakes." Even those who don't celebrate these holidays will find something to laugh about in chapters like "Sukkot: the one where you live in a harvest hut and eat way too much fruit" or the Purim play rewritten with characters from '70s television.
Charming, original, and full of many pop culture references, Rushkoff's debut book makes a great holiday gift. Reviewed by Sarah Rachel Egelman.
SANTAKID by James Patterson
illustrated by Michael Garland
Little, Brown and Company
ISBN: 0316000612
James Patterson, the author of countless international bestsellers, has written his first book for children. SANTAKID is an entertaining picture book that introduces us to Chrissie, who is probably one of the luckiest youngsters in the world. Why? Because her father is none other than Santa Claus! As a resident of the North Pole, Chrissie visits Santa's Toy Workshop everyday and plays with Santa’s friends, including his elves and reindeer.
But one morning, the Big Boss of the Exmass Express Company arrives at the North Pole and proclaims that he has bought Christmas. Almost immediately, everything at the North Pole changes --- the doves won't fly or sing anymore, the elves stop making toys, and worst of all, Santa loses his holiday spirit.
Chrissie is determined to save Christmas, but this brave little girl must remember what her father always tells her: "You have to believe in something bigger than you."
April 23, 2004
BEYOND CHOICE: Reproductive Freedom in the 21st Century by Alexander Sanger
At a time when many people feel strongly about reproductive freedom based more on their religious beliefs than any facts, Alex Sanger's book is a bombshell. It is a scholarly, well-researched book that happens to be extremely readable. It's got a powerful point-of-view --- women have an absolute right to make their own reproductive choices --- that calmly and dispassionately examines the arguments of the "pro-life" movement. And it has a remarkable moral authority --- Alex Sanger is not only the grandson of family planning advocate Margaret Sanger, he's the former head of Planned Parenthood and is now Chair of the International Planned Parenthood Council.
April 23, 2004
THE WAR ON CHOICE: The Right-Wing Attack on Women's Rights and How to Fight Back by Gloria Feldt
If you think your right to control your own body is guaranteed by law ...
If you think your reproductive freedoms are safe ...
You need to read the startling truth about THE WAR ON CHOICE.
In her groundbreaking new book, THE WAR ON CHOICE: The Right-Wing Attack on Women's Rights and How to Fight Back, Gloria Feldt, the President of Planned Parenthood® Federation of America, lays out in frightening detail the 30-year campaign to undermine the hard-won laws protecting a woman's freedom.
Read an excerpt, author Q&A and reading group guide at WarOnChoice.com.
March 26, 2004
CREATING LIVELY PASSOVER SEDERS: A Sourcebook of Engaging Tales, Texts & Activities by David Arnow, Ph.D.
In this rich and interesting sourcebook, David Arnow explores ways to make Seders, the ritual meal at Passover, more meaningful. The ideas here are centered on the traditional Seder but aim to engage attendants more fully with thoughtful dialogue and more personal participation. Arnow includes activities, thought-provoking questions and extra-textual readings for each segment of the Seder. He also offers insight into the creation and development of the Seder and how it has been understood at different points in Jewish history.
CREATING LIVELY PASSOVER SEDERS is a great resource to help personalize and enliven Seders at tables across the spectrum of Jewish observance. Arnow's sourcebook is a welcome addition to any Jewish library.
February 20, 2004
THE PASSION Forward by Mel Gibson
One of the more talked about --- and controversial --- movies that we can remember opens on March 25th. The Passion of The Christ is the story of the last twelve hours of the life of Jesus Christ. The accompanying book, THE PASSION, already is racking up impressive sales. Here Bookreporter.com co-Founder Carol Fitzgerald weighs in with a look inside THE PASSION and a commentary.
January 16, 2004
HOLY BLOOD, HOLY GRAIL by Michael Baigent, Richard Leigh, Henry Lincoln
Michael Baigent, Henry Lincoln and Richard Leigh raise a number of stunning and thought-provoking questions in HOLY BLOOD, HOLY GRAIL: Is it possible that Christ did not die on the cross? Is it possible that Jesus was married, a father, and that his bloodline still exists? Is it possible that parchments found in the South of France a century ago reveal one of the best-kept secrets of Christendom? And is it possible that these parchments contain the very heart of the mystery of the Holy Grail?
The authors of this provocative and meticulously researched book maintain that not only are these scenarios possible --- they are probably true! Now available in trade paperback, HOLY BLOOD, HOLY GRAIL will be of particular interest to those readers who loved THE DA VINCI CODE.
December 5, 2003
THE YEAR AHEAD 2004: The Only Astrology Guide You'll Need by Susan Miller
Susan Miller's THE YEAR AHEAD 2004 is the perfect book for anyone interested in astrology and finding out what is in store for the coming year. Available from Barnes & Noble Books, THE YEAR AHEAD 2004 has an overview of all of the astrological signs --- highlighting what we can expect in our personal and professional lives. Miller's new book includes special sections on Mercury Retrograde and the 2004 eclipses.
October 31, 2003
thepurplebook: The Definitive Guide to Exceptional Online Shopping by Hillary Mendelsohn
Frustrated by the seemingly random results generated by most Internet search engines, marketing consultant Hillary Mendelsohn decided to create a comprehensive resource to help online shoppers like herself find the best merchandise and services available on the Internet.
thepurplebook --- the product of Mendelsohn's exhaustive efforts --- is a consumer haven, consisting of more than 1,600 of the best Internet shopping sites. Each website was selected according to specific criteria, including how easy the site is to navigate, how good its selection is, the prices, and the site's download time. This informative and easy-to-use guide is divided into 19 categories that reflect the most common shopping needs of consumers. They include Entertainment, Health & Beauty, Home & Garden, Pets, Shoes & Accessories, and Travel. A review of each site is provided, along with information regarding shipping costs, gift certificates, user friendliness, and much more.
So never again will you need to waste valuable time looking for reliable e-commerce retailers --- because Hillary Mendelsohn and her colleagues have truly written "the definitive guide to exceptional online shopping."
September 5, 2003
METROPOLIS FOUND: New York Is Book Country 25th Anniversary Collection
As part of their 25th Anniversary celebration New York is Book Country has published a commemorative book titled METROPOLIS FOUND, featuring original pieces by more than 30 of the most popular authors of today and the past 25 years. The book
brings together a splendid array of talent with one thing in common: an undisputed passion for the greatest city in the world. Among the contributing authors are Maya Angelou, Lawrence Block, Meg Cabot, Mary Higgins Clark, Nelson DeMille, Pete Hamill, Susan Isaacs, Frank McCourt and Donald Westlake.
June 20, 2003
On June 16, 1903 Henry Ford established the Ford Motor Company, vowing to "build a car for the great multitude." He fulfilled this promise five years later with the introduction of the sturdy, affordable Model T. The moving assembly line, which increased production of automobiles, along with the institution of higher wages and shorter workdays, are just a few of the remarkable early achievements of Henry Ford and the company that revolutionized American industry. This year marks Ford Motor Company's 100th anniversary, and the recent releases of two outstanding books help celebrate this milestone.
In WHEELS FOR THE WORLD: Henry Ford, His Company, and a Century of Progress, 1903-2003, historian Douglas Brinkley details the epic achievements of the Ford Motor Company and introduces us to the individuals who have contributed to its enormous success. He also addresses some of the problems and controversies that the company has faced over the years. If you're looking for a more visual history of this American institution, then THE FORD CENTURY by Russ Banham is the book for you. It contains more than 500 images from private collections and the Ford Archives (many of which have never been seen before), along with sidebars, captions and timelines. Be sure to purchase these two books for the ride of your life!
May 23, 2003
October 22, 2002 --- the day that 125 of the world's leading photojournalists traveled around the globe to record the lives of the men and women in military service. For 24 consecutive hours, this prize-winning team of civilian and military photographers --- working with the cooperation and support of the Department of Defense --- chronicled daily life in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. The numerous photographs that were taken during the course of these 24 hours are included in A DAY IN THE LIFE OF THE UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES, an impressive and visually stunning collection of photographs featuring recruits, cadets, generals, firefighters, medics, and MPs.
The book illustrates life in the cockpit of a fighter, on the Trident submarine, in an underground missile silo, and at computer terminals in a war room. Additional photographs show military personnel patrolling borders, jungles, mountains and harbors, training for special operations, and fighting terrorism. There are also a number of touching images depicting these brave men and women spending quality time with their families.
If you want to get a better sense of what military life is like, beyond what you read in newspapers or see on the evening news, then you must pick up a copy of this magnificent book. Collectively, these photographs remind us of the routine and heroic operations, as well as the sacrifices, commitment, and courage that are necessary to defend America's freedoms.
February 7, 2003
Are you having difficulties finding or keeping that special someone in your life? Do you have trouble maintaining happy and healthy relationships with your loved ones? If you answered yes to either of these questions, then REAL LOVE by Dr. Greg Baer is required reading. The premise of this informative and inspirational book is found in the title itself. Real Love, or unconditional love, is to care about the happiness and well being of another person without expecting something in return. Dr. Baer shares his secrets for attaining Real Love, the vital ingredient for a relationship to survive and thrive. Readers will learn a wealth of information, including the four steps to finding Real Love, how to put an end to destructive selfish behaviors and ways to eliminate conflicts in your relationships with family members, friends and colleagues. With REAL LOVE as your definitive guide, you can start making up for the mistakes you've made in the past and create rewarding and fulfilling relationships in every area of your life.
To learn more about REAL LOVE, go to GregBaer.com.
A PEANUTS VALENTINE by Charles M. Schulz
The enormously popular comic strip Peanuts has a knack for bringing out the holiday spirit in us all --- whether we're celebrating Halloween, Thanksgiving or Christmas. Well, now it's time to add Valentine's Day to the list! Ballantine Books has compiled an amazing 50 years of Valentine's Day strips written by the incomparable Charles Schulz. Join Charlie Brown, Lucy, Linus, Sally, Snoopy and the rest of the gang as they prepare for the most romantic time of year --- and give their own opinions on what the holiday is all about. Find out what happens at the annual Valentine's Day dance, see if the Little Red-Haired Girl sends Charlie Brown a valentine and much more. The Peanuts gang may not be too lucky in the love department, but they'll certainly entertain readers with their witty thoughts and observations in this charming collection.
January 24, 2003
SOUP OF THE DAY by Lydie Marshall
There is perhaps nothing in the vast world of food and drink that can restore body, heart and soul quite like a steaming bowl of soup. After all, soup is nourishing, delicious and quite versatile --- it can be an accessory to a meal or a meal all by itself. In SOUP OF THE DAY Lydie Marshall, a cooking teacher who has lived in France and the United States, offers 150 mouthwatering recipes for soups. She serves up something for everyone --- broths, vegetable soups and bean soups, as well as beef, chicken and seafood soups. Also included are chapters on salads, breads and desserts to help you create a complete meal. Marshall enhances the book even further with her own recollections of rewarding soup experiences and anecdotes of acquaintances who have contributed their favorite soup recipes. With record low temperatures and winds swirling around the country this week, there's no better week to think about a book about soup.
December 13, 2002
THE FORD CENTURY by Russ Banham
The introduction of the Ford Model T in 1908 changed the way Americans lived, while the invention of the assembly line by Henry Ford five years later revolutionized American industry. Next year marks the 100th anniversary of the founding of Ford Motor Company and reading this book is a great way to celebrate the event. THE FORD CENTURY is a captivating visual history of Henry Ford, his family and one of the most significant companies in the world. The book is beautifully illustrated with more than 500 images from private collections and the Ford Archives (many never seen before), along with sidebars, captions and timelines. Readers will see how national and world events shaped the design and manufacture of vehicles such as the Model T, Thunderbird, Mustang, Explorer and dozens more. Automobile lovers and history buffs are sure to treasure this compelling and fascinating book.
December 13, 2002
THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS: A Pop-Up by Clement Clarke Moore; Illustrated by Robert Sabuda
All of us are familiar with Clement Clarke Moore's THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS. Most of you probably know the entire story by heart. But when you open Robert Sabuda's version of this classic tale, you will be in for a very special treat, because each page contains images that literally spring to life. Beds fold out, a window shade rises and falls and Santa pops in and out of the chimney. Readers can even interact at the end of the story by pulling a tab that sends Santa's sleigh gliding across the starlit sky. In addition to the wonderful pop-ups, Sabuda adds his own touch of humor to the line "Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse" --- it turns out that a family of mice are receiving Santa's nighttime visit! This exciting and clever book will delight readers of all ages.
November 27, 2002
MACY'S ON PARADE: A Pop-Up Celebration of Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade by Pamela Pease
Every year, millions of people assemble on the sidewalks of Manhattan and gather in front of their television sets to enjoy the sights and sounds of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Pamela Pease captures the joy and magic of the Parade in this visually stunning and highly informative book. The Parade literally jumps off the pages, with spirited marching bands, full-size floats and gigantic balloons springing to life. Readers are taken behind the scenes, as they learn exactly how the Parade is planned and produced each year. Learn how organizers select the marching bands, how the floats and balloons are designed, the importance of clowns to the festivities and much more! This book also pays tribute to the live NBC telecast that has provided coverage of the event for more than half a century. Finally, children of all ages will be delighted when they turn to the final page and find a very special guest greeting them --- the perfect ending to a truly enchanting book.
October 25, 2002
ELOISE TAKES A BAWTH by Kay Thompson with Drawings by Hilary Knight
Ages 4-8 --- or actually kids of ANY AGE!
Eloise, who is in the Plaza Hotel, must take a "bawth" because Mr. Salamone is coming for tea. In the bathtub, she has some wonderful fantasies, which leads to an overabundance of bubbly "bawth" water. Mr. Salamone becomes very worried and angry when the floors of the hotel start to flood. But Eloise is unaware of this and keeps scrubbing and splashing. Just as the hotel is about to drown in its own bubbles, Eloise, clean as a whistle, saves the day.
October 18, 2002
Seinfeld's Halloween
This October Jerry Seinfeld takes readers on a wild ride through his candy-filled version of Halloween. James Bennett's illustrations of little Jerry are so entertaining they might make you want to dive into the pictures go trick-or-treating yourself. And everyone will identify with the Seinfeld "rules" of Halloween --- from what constitutes a good costume to what is acceptable as candy. "I never actually grasped the whole Trick or Treat ultimatum," says Jerry. "Giving candy to grateful adorable children or receiving a bag of flaming animal excrement on your doorstep? Is this a choice?"
July 26, 2002
CORALINE by Neil Gaiman
A tale of horror that takes a young girl into a parallel world where she's in danger of becoming another ghostly captive of an evil woman. Click here to read a review on this don't miss for kids!
May 10, 2002 
MERCURY RETROGRADE: Your Survival Guide to Astrology's Most Precarious Time of the Year by Chrissie Blaze
Several times a year Mercury, the planet that is known as governing communication appears to shift in its orbital track. During this period all kinds of breakdowns seem to occur --- checks bounce, flights are inexplicably delayed, accidents occur out of nowhere. It is said that no critical documents or contracts should be signed during the period when Mercury goes retro. Think we are kidding? We're not. Take a look at this book to find out more about this astrological phenomenon --- and how to deal with it!
May 3, 2002
LUSITANIA: A Epic Tragedy by Diana Preston
Commemorating the 87th anniversary of the sinking of the Lusitania, Bookreporter.com suggests this title for any history or nautical buff who will appreciate a behind-the-scenes look at the background of the tragedy, which impacted the entry of the United States into World War I.
For generations our lives have been touched by and reflected in the programs and events that were produced by NBC. Radio broadcasts like "Amos ’n’ Andy" and "FDR's fireside chats;" television staples like "Milton Berle’s Texaco Star Theater," "Howdy Doody," the "Today" show, "The Tonight Show;" and major sporting events beginning with the 1947 World Series --- Americans have grown up listening to and watching these groundbreaking programs. This Sunday a special salute to NBC's 75 years as a major network will be broadcast reliving many of those memorable moments in television. But for those of you who love to collect memorabilia in written form, NBC's history has been captured in a marvelous book --- BROUGHT TO YOU IN LIVING COLOR: 75 Years of Great Moments in Television and Radio from NBC. Enjoy!
March 28, 2002
 
Sharing in the Oscar limelight were two recent movies based on marvelous books that we know readers will want to pick up, if they haven't already. The movie version of Sylvia Nasar's A BEAUTIFUL MIND --- which tells the uplifting story of Nobel Prize winner John Nash --- walked away with four Oscars including Best Picture and Best Director. If you've read her book, then you might like to experience a different format by reading the shooting script published by Newmarket Press. Another notable book was BLACK HAWK DOWN, the movie garnering two Academy Awards for it's portrayal of the American soldiers tragically killed in Somalia during their civil war. The shooting script for BLACK HAWK DOWN is also available for those who want to see how heroes are transformed from real life to the big screen.
February 8, 2002
FRIDA by Bárbara Mujica
Frida is a fictional biography of Frida Kahlo, the legendary Mexican artist known for her surreal self-portraits. The book, told by her younger sister, Cristina, gives us an intimate, adoring and envious look at the passionate, talented and tormented woman behind the canvases. Readers will explore Frida with this book, and for many it will be as one reviewer said - "a captivating introduction to the life -- and death of Frida Kahlo."
For more on FRIDA see the reading group guide here.
January 25, 2002
Malcolm Gladwell's groundbreaking book, THE TIPPING POINT: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference, caused quite a stir when it was first published in hardcover last year. A fascinating and entertaining study of the science of social epidemics, Gladwell uses examples like the revival of Hush Puppies to illustrate his point that trends can happen through tipping other people. What we all know as "buzz" and "word of mouth."
January 18, 2002
A CALL TO CONSCIENCE: The Landmark Speeches of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. edited by Kris Shepard and Clayborne Carson
This stirring collection includes the text of Dr. King's best-known speech, "I Have a Dream," among many other impassioned orations. Each speech is introduced and placed in a current context by renowned defenders of civil rights such as Rosa Parks and the Dalai Lama. A must-read for anyone interested in social justice.
January 11, 2002
BASKET CASE by Carl Hiaasen
Not since last year's presidential election has Florida seen this much funnybusiness. Hiaasen's latest acid-tongue-n-cheeky mystery finds Jack Tagger, a fallen from grace beat-reporter turned obituary-writer, tangled in a case involving a dead rock star and his spotlight-starved wife. Now, if Jack can just get past his obsession with death, his feelings for his boss, and survive a battle where the weapon of choice is a giant frozen lizard, he may just resurrect his ailing journalism career. Another wickedly funny novel courtesy of Hiaasen.
December 21, 2001
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY LITERATURE COMPANION edited by Anne Skillion
This lively, entertaining and highly informative collection is a must for any little-known-fact reference collection. But be not wary --- it's not just for book-snobs! With over 800 pages and subjects ranging from where Starbucks got its name to the definition of irony (a perfect gift for anyone under 40 for the i-word alone), no reader will be able to resist browsing through this witty, wise and wonderful volume.
December 14, 2001
BLOOD by Patricia Traxler
A story of suspense, jealousy, obsession and murder. Norrie Blume is a painter who is participating in a prestigious fellowship program at Radcliffe. She is enveloped in an intense and consuming affair with a married colleague, a relationship that brings her great joy and much sadness, and trying to balance friendships with two other women in the program, a journalist and a poet. Traxler's writing is vivid and full of great imagery. You will never think of the color red the same way when you close this book for the last time.
December 7, 2001
I THOUGHT MY FATHER WAS GOD: And Other True Tales From NPR's National Story Project edited by Paul Auster
In 1999, novelist Paul Auster (TIMBUKTU) and the hosts of National Public Radio's "All Things Considered" asked listeners to send in true life stories to be read on-air as part of the National Story Project. An ideal gift book, this volume is made up of 180 autobiographical anecdotes, ranging from improbable coincidences to heart-wrenching tales of everyday heartaches.
November 16, 2001
EVA MOVES THE FURNITURE by Margot Livesey is an engaging novel centered around Eva McEwen, a young Scottish woman. Her mother having died in childbirth, Eva is raised by her father and Aunt Lily. She does, though, have other "companions" --- a ghostly pair who drift in and out of her life. When Eva finally decides to make her secret known, heartbreak ensues. Yet another deftly crafted novel by the very talented Livesey.
November 9, 2001
MY WORLD by Margaret Wise Brown
Parents recite with me..."In the great green room...." How many nights did we read those words to our children lulling them to sleep with their familiarity? This new book, which is a companion to GOODNIGHT MOON, was written two years after the original story. It traces the little bunny going through his day seeing the world from his child-like perspective where he is small and the world is so big. The rhymes are clever and the illustrations are wonderful.
BECAUSE WE ARE AMERICANS: What we discovered on September 11, 2001 edited by Jesse Kornbluth and Jessica Papin
As we try to make sense of the terrorist activities of September 11th, reading and talking helps. This book compiles postings of ordinary people like ourselves from the Internet, memorable quotes from the media, and inspirational words that capture how we felt --- and feel --- and help us heal. It's a 234-page snapshot of a moment in our history that combines stories of loss, heroism, disbelief, and hope.
November 2, 2001
WHAT'S WRONG WITH TIMMY? by Maria Shriver
Every parent remembers the look on their child's face when they see a handicapped child for the first time. Maria Shriver gives it words --- "What's wrong with...." What a parent says can influence how a child will react in the future to anyone who walks, talks or acts differently. In a beautifully illustrated and designed book Shriver --- whose own family always has embraced those who are challenged --- captures how to talk to a child and how to teach acceptance and tolerance so they become second nature. Note the words on the pages in larger type which hammer home the most salient points of her message. Wonderfully done.
October 26, 2001
THE VICTORIA'S SECRET CATALOG NEVER STOPS COMING AND OTHER LESSONS I LEARNED FROM BREAST CANCER by Jennie Nash
The title of this book is so clever that we had to pick it up. When Jennie Nash learned that she had breast cancer her friend told her she needed to write about her experience and share it with others --- '""stories help, stories heal."". What evolved was a story that is honest, touching and very very real. Yes, it's true the Victoria Secrets catalog will keep coming if you have breast cancer. The interesting thing is what Nash now sees when she looks at it --- as a survivor!"
October 19, 2001
In her latest essay collection, POLITICAL FICTIONS, Joan Didion turns her pen on the American political system. In these eight pieces she tackles weighty subjects such as the U.S. support of the Sandinistas and evangelical Christianity. Her prose is provocative, fresh and highly entertaining, making this book a must-read for C-SPAN junkies and non-news readers alike.
October 12, 2001
The Penguin Lives series brings us the abbreviated biographies of two very different men: ANDY WARHOL and MARLON BRANDO. Author and cultural critic Wayne Koestenbaum trains his pen on the life of America's premier pop artist, the enigma in a wig that was Andy Warhol. Eminent biographer Patricia Bosworth explores the mythos of Marlon Brando --- his path from raw actor to improvisational genius to cultural curiosity. Both books are must reads for anyone interested in the American way of fame.
October 5, 2001
MY 1,000 AMERICANS by Rochelle Morton
Think you are winning the "I only date losers" derby? Rochelle Morton has you beat. In her hilarious book, MY 1,000 AMERICANS: A Year-Long Journey Through the Personals, Morton chronicles a year of dates with aching honesty and a razor sharp wit. This slim but engaging book about the trials and tribulations of the modern mating ritual is a must read!
September 28, 2001
RED DOG by Louis De Bernieres
Louis De Bernieres, acclaimed author of CORELLI'S MANDOLIN, found inspiration for his latest work in the wilds of northwestern Australia. Coming upon a statue of a red sheepdog in a small town square, Bernieres began asking the locals questions about the dog. The result is RED DOG, a collection of funny, surprising and touching stories. Through the life of Red Dog, a "professional traveler" (read: savvy stray), readers will enter a rough and tumble world and learn a lot about the resilience of the human spirit.
September 21, 2001
AVA'S MAN by Rick Bragg
Who is AVA'S MAN? Literally speaking, he is Charlie Bundrum, Rick Bragg's maternal grandfather and the subject of Bragg's new memoir. And while AVA'S MAN is a loving, tender tribute to Charlie and his family, it is also a paean to a lost generation --- the good, solid, hardscrabble men and women of the now vanished South.
September 7, 2001
LAKE WOBEGON SUMMER, 1956
by Garrison Keillor
In LAKE WOBEGON: Summer 1956, his first book in four years, author and humorist Garrison Keillor returns to the familiar terrain of the titular Minnesota hamlet as he hilariously writes about such old standards as first crushes, family dysfunction and life in a small town. Fans and new readers alike will be delighted by Keillor's gentle, charming prose in this sentimental story of unrequited love.
August 24, 2001
STILL I RISE by Maya Angelou
A poet, memoirist, performer, teacher and director, Maya Angelou is a woman of nearly unprecedented accomplishment. In her latest literary offering, the short-story length poem STILL I RISE, she invokes the spirit and art of Diego Rivera to tell a simple, yet profound story of unwavering faith and overcoming adversity.
August 10, 2001
THE CHILD OF THE HOLY GRAIL by Rosalind Miles
The third installment in Miles' bestselling trilogy which retells Arthurian legend from Guenevere's perspective, THE CHILD OF THE HOLY GRAIL offers a unique answer to the question: What happens to the kingdom after the fall of Camelot? Before reading this final segment, reacquaint yourself with GUENEVERE: Queen of the Summer Country and THE KNIGHT OF THE SACRED LAKE.
July 27, 2001
ELVIS IN THE MORNING by William F. Buckley
A charming, nostalgic portrait of friendship and lost love? Sounds great, but not exactly what one would expect from erudite, National Review pundit William F. Buckley Jr. Yet in his latest novel, ELVIS IN THE MORNING, Buckley delivers a sweet and engaging story of a young man and his (quite famous) best friend as they struggle through life in the turbulent '60s.
July 20, 2001
NICKEL AND DIMED by Barbara Ehrenreich
In her poignant, thought-provoking and downright startling new book NICKEL AND DIMED: On Not Getting By in America, Barbara Ehrenreich leaves the comfort of her home to conduct a social experiment. She dons the trappings of the working poor, staying in trailers and flophouses, working for $2.13 an hour at a "family" restaurant, and getting drug tested daily at Walmart. Her funny and tender stories about the forgotten souls who clean our houses, serve us fast food and care for our elderly, dares to beg the question: how do the millions of Americans on the edge of poverty survive?
July 13, 2001
MISFORTUNE by Nancy Geary
Part murder-mystery, part novel of (mis)manners, MISFORTUNE pulls the reader into the clandestine goings on of Southampton's high-society. Debut author Nancy Geary deftly describes the world beyond the fancy hedgerows, all the while weaving a page-turning whodunit. A must read for the beaches of Long Island and beyond!
June 29, 2001
100 ONE-NIGHT READS: A Book Lover's Guide by David C. Major and John S. Major
100 ONE-NIGHT READS is an indispensable compendium summarizing the authors' book choices that are perfect for those short, but sleepless hot summer nights. From the DUBLINERS to Tregaskis' GUADALCANAL DIARY, the brothers Major succeeded admirably in compiling a brief but thorough guide highlighting selections by genre complete with author biographies.
June 15, 2001
SLAMMERKIN by Emma Donoghue
By definition, a slammerkin is a loose shift dress that was fashionable in 18th
century England and eventually the word shifted slangily to mean a "loose
woman", someone whose trade necessitated clothing that was easy to take off. Mary
Saunders, the main character of Emma Donoghue's new book, is a slammerkin --- though a
hardened and emotionally anesthetized 14-year-old streetwalking girl can hardly be
considered a woman. A master storyteller whose prose is both sharp and effective, Donoghue
paints a compelling picture of a colorful and painful life amid the squalor of lower-class
London.
June 8, 2001
FIXER CHAO by Han Ong
A brilliantly conceived satire of posturing Manhattanites, FIXER CHAO tells the story
of a Philippine-American street hustler and his amazingly facile rise to revered Chinese
Feng Shui Master status. Ong's debut novel is a much appreciated --- and more than
warranted --- smack in the face for trend-obsessed celebs and artists.
June 1, 2001
MIELZINER: Master of Modern Stage Design by Mary C. Henderson
Touted as the greatest American set designer of the 20th Century, Jo Mielziner brought
boldness, innovation and an uncanny intuition to nearly three hundred theatre stages in
his lifetime. His oeuvre includes such landmark productions as A Streetcar Named Desire,
Death of a Salesman, Guys and Dolls, and Gypsy. Henderson's
exhaustively researched and beautifully illustrated book will make a perfect critical
companion to this year's Tony Awards --- airing on Sunday, June 3rd at 9pm on CBS.
May 25, 2001
WAR LETTERS: Extraordinary Correspondence From America's Wars Edited by Andrew Carroll
Extraordinary does not even begin to describe the 175 letters contained in this
collection. In turns wise, funny, insightful, or frightening --- but always rawly human,
this collection is one for all Americans to treasure. With any luck it will revive the
lost art of letter writing as well as teach our children the true history of our nation.
May 18, 2001
STET: An Editor's Life by Diana Athill
Don't let the Queen's English keep you from this gem of a memoir. Candid and witty, Athill
offers a look at the publishing world across the pond. Providing book recommendations and
visions of corporate escapades, it is the perfect look at the profession of editing for those
among us who are either bookish or pretending to be.
May 11, 2001
On Sunday, May 13th,
MY LOUISIANA SKY premieres on Showtime. This deeply affecting coming of
age drama is based on the novel of the same name by author Kimberly Willis Holt.
The story of Tiger Ann Parker is a particularly moving one; aside from dealing with
the usual pressures of adolescence, Tiger also has to face the death of her
grandmother while caring for her developmentally disabled parents. Both the
film and the book make profound statements about family that would be wonderful
to share with loved ones on Mother's Day and beyond.
May 4, 2001
The Hallmark Hall of Fame movie adaptation of Luanne Rice's FOLLOW THE STARS HOME will air on Sunday, May 6 at 9 p.m. on CBS. Rice's bestseller tells the courageous story of a woman who is abandoned by her husband and now must raise her hanidcapped daughter alone. The movie stars Kimberly Williams, Blair Brown and Campbell Scott.
April
27, 2001
MY MISSPENT YOUTH: Essays by Meghan Daum
Daum writes cultural essays with a refreshing honesty, spinning tales about the human condition with unwavering clarity. Whether she is writing about the romance of cyber-relationships or the "hardships" of being young, hip, and literate, Daum gets past the superficiality of everyday life and on to the truth that is at the core of being human. This debut collection will make you laugh out loud, get choked up, and think, with its witty, entertaining and unflinching prose.
April
13, 2001
A STUDENT OF WEATHER by Elizabeth Hay
In her debut novel, Hay explores landscapes both
physical and emotional. Set against the backdrop of
rural Saskatchewan during the Depression and Dust Bowl
years, A STUDENT OF THE WEATHER spans the lives of the
two Hardy sisters. Lucinda is beautiful but stern, while
Norma-Joyce, the younger, is willful and impetuous.
Into their lives storms Maurice Dove, sent by his college
to study the effect of weather catastrophes on the land
and the people. His appearance inexorably changes the
lives of the sisters as Hay takes the reader on a profoundly
moving exploration of love.
April
6, 2001
USE ME by Elissa Schappell
Not quite a novel, but more than just a series of stories,
USE
ME perfectly describes the condition of being a young, smart
and hip woman at the end of the 20th century. Debut author Elissa
Schappell and her alter ego character Evelyn "Evie" Wakefield struggle
with the perplexities of being human in ten interwoven stories with
titles such as "To Smoke, Perchance to Dream". These tales and their
players are cool, but never cloying, deftly investigating the emotional
rituals of womanhood from sibling rivalry and the changes that occur
in friendships, to childbirth and the loss of a parent. Schappell,
a columnist for Vanity Fair and other glossies, inhabits her stories
with real, tenable young women; her prose is sometimes absurd, sometimes
painful, but always lyrical --- just like life itself.
March
30, 2001
THE CLOTHES THEY STOOD UP IN by Alan Bennett
What would you do if you returned home and found everything
had been stolen ---from your favorite earrings and the television
set, on down to the rings that hold up the shower curtain and the
leftovers in the fridge? Such is the scene that awaits Maurice and
Rosemary Ransome when they return to their London flat after a night
at the opera. THE CLOTHES THEY STOOD UP IN, a slender but thoroughly
engaging novel by British author Alan Bennett, tells the twisting
tale of the Ransomes and their search for their burgled goods ---
as well as meaning and direction in their heretofore normal lives.
Particularly amusing are the Ransomes dealings with their insurance
company who, with the wisdom of corporations everywhere, cannot
help the Ransomes without their insurance policy copy --- which
itself was stolen. This delightful little tale is full of humor
and insight; it also makes the reader question the role of their
possessions in their lives and self-definitions.
March
23, 2001
THE RED TENT by Anita Diamant
In the Book of Genesis, the story of Dinah is nothing more
than a violent, disturbing footnote. Author and Jewish scholar Anita
Diamant brings a new and moving slant to the story in THE RED TENT.
As the narrator, Dinah tells of the sisterhood of her four "mothers,"
of women's mysteries and the pains of life in the ancient world
with moving clarity. Dinah's world of farmers and caravans, Goddess-worshippers
and slave traders is earthy, passionate and thoroughly engrossing.
For a reading group guide for this book, click here.
March
16, 2001
BEING DEAD by Jim Crace
Jim Crace's BEING DEAD was recently awarded the National Book
Critics Circle Award for best fiction. Haunting, provocative, and
compassionate, BEING DEAD tells the story of the murder of married
couple, both professors of zoology, and the decomposition of their
bodies over time. A collection of interwoven
narratives that take the shape of a novel, BEING DEAD is, at once,
grotesque and hypnotic.
March
9, 2001
CHOCOLAT by Joanne Harris
Whether or not you've seen the Oscar-nominated film Chocolat,
the novel that inspired the movie is a story to be savored. Just
as the locals in a small French town are mesmerized by newcomer
Vianne Rocher's glorious confections --- and her ability to discern
not only their favorite treats but also their fears and desires
--- you'll succumb to Joanne Harris's magical and decadent prose.
March
2, 2001
The Progress of Love by Alice Munro
The characters who inhabit Alice Munro's short stories aren't
super-heroes. They aren't even always nice: they break each other's
hearts, neglect their children, slip into bitterness and self pity.
But they are always real, as real as you or your family members,
and the deftness with which Munro sketches their lives will haunt
readers.
February
23, 2001
 Boy's
Life by Robert R. McCammon
If you thought Robert McCammon only wrote horror, you're in
for a treat. McCammon takes us back to a drowsy Southern town in
the 60's, where 12-year-old Cory Mackenson and his dad witness the
dumping of a body into a lake. Over the next year, the mystery of
the murder haunts the boy, but does not lessen the wonders of life
in this small town. With sharply-drawn characters and a slow, easy
pace, BOY'S LIFE will draw you into the life of a town and a boy
on the verge of growing up.
February 16, 2001
LOVE IN A DEAD LANGUAGE by Lee Siegel
Think Jackie Collins armed with razor sharp wit, uncompromising
creativity, Roget's Thesaurus and a Ph.D., and you'll begin zeroing
in on a point of reference for Lee Siegel's brilliantly inventive
novel, LOVE IN A DEAD LANGUAGE. At once a Lolita-esque romance,
a translation of and commentary on the Kamasutra, a meditation on
love and language, a hilarious satire of academia, and a simple
murder mystery, Siegel's tale is without parallel when it comes
to literary innovation.
February
9, 2001
SHOPGIRL : A Novella by Steve Martin
Steve Martin is a man of many talents, from comedian to writer
--- and now, novelist. His book, SHOPGIRL, is a poignant tale of
a woman lost in her life. Mirabelle toils away in the glove department
of Neiman's and daydreams about the art she has not created and
the love she has always been seeking. Martin writes delicately and
perceptively about what happens to this rather ordinary young woman
when she steps out behind the counter.
February
2, 2001
JIMMY'S GIRL by Stephanie Gertler
One of the most romantic novels is JIMMY'S GIRL by Stephanie
Gertler. It's about a woman who never forgot her first love and
always wondered "what if." She decides to track him down, and they
meet for an unforgettable weekend. It's a super-romantic read, perfect
to give as a gift, or, if you love heartfelt romance, to read yourself.
January
26 , 2001
BROKEN MACHINES by Michael I. Leahey
A terrific mystery from a debut author destined for success.
The plot grips, the dialogue is sharp and clever, and the carefully
constructed characters tell you this author has a entire series
brewing in his head.
(c) Copyright 2001, Bookreporter.com. All rights reserved.
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